Choirs' songs to honour Wolves legend Malpass

Two choirs are preparing to raise the roof at a concert featuring the first-ever football chant written in honour of a Wolves legend.

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Two choirs are preparing to raise the roof at a concert featuring the first-ever football chant written in honour of a Wolves legend.

This weekend's fundraiser at St Peter's Collegiate Church in the city centre also features renowned opera singer Rita Cullis.

She is the niece of the club's 'Iron Manager' Stan Cullis.

The boys' and girls' choirs will perform a rendition of the first football anthem He Banged The Leather For Goal, set to music by renowned composer and Wolves fan Sir Edward Elgar in honour of legendary striker Billy Malpass.

Rita will sing her favourite piece of music - The Sun Goeth Down from Elgar's The Kingdom.

Saturday night's concert is being backed by Wolves vice president Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who got involved because of Elgar's support of the club in the 1890s.

St Peter's director of music Peter Morris said today: "We wanted to celebrate the connection between Elgar and the church, so we got in touch with Wolves and it just grew.

"We knew about Elgar's connection with the club because the rector's daughter Dora Penny used to write about him going to watch them when he came to visit."

Mr Morris added that ticket sales had been going well for the concert, which has been organised as part of a £300,000 fundraising drive for a new organ.

It will also feature Elgar's Enigma Variations, one of the composer's most famous pieces of music.